28 May 2024
Newcastle
8 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
We have designed this itinerary to take you on a discovery of natural wonders and wildlife found close to home, yet off the beaten track, amongst remote Scottish isles. You will be joined on board by wildlife charity ORCA, whose team of enthusiasts will help you spot sea birds, whales and dolphins from Balmoral. Discover Orkney’s fascinating history in the well-preserved Viking town of Kirkwall or on a tour to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and learn about Shetland’s farming traditions accompanied by a local crofter. Your smaller ship can dock in Lerwick, while scenic diversions are planned to show you sites such as the Small Isles, the volcanic formations of Bac Mòr and the basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Craggy Coastlines & Idyllic Islands
This cruise will offer you the chance to witness the distinctive and symmetrical columns of Fingal’s Cave, as Balmoral sails close enough for you to see it looming metres high from the ocean, and said to be the adjoining piece of road to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Many native seabirds congregate here, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Sumburgh Head is home to a historic lighthouse with a distinctive tower, and cliffs full of seabird colonies, particularly during the breeding season. Due to Balmoral's smaller size, you'll be able to cruise close to the Small Isles, and see the volcanic formations of Bac Mor. You will be joined on this cruise by Ian Archibald, who will provide fascinating scenic commentary around the Scottish islands.
Traditional Scottish Islands way of life
Immerse yourself in traditional Scottish island life and discover the Gaelic culture that permeates through this enchanting region. Enjoy listening to music, songs and stories from local musicians, and take part in singing a Gaelic song; visit a Shetland croft to discover everyday life with a local crofter and his sheepdogs; or spend time with captivating miniature Shetland ponies. Join us at a Highland Park Distillery to try a drop of the local dram, and also sample local Scottish whisky on board Balmoral at a tasting event. You'll be joined on this cruise by Chrisanne Macleod Robertson, from the Isle of Lewis, who will share her experiences of living on the Island, and its way of life and culture.
Seabirds & Marine Life
This cruise offers you the chance to see an abundance of marine life and seabirds at the right time of year. Join wildlife charity ORCA out on the decks of Balmoral to locate and identify whales, dolphins and other cetacean species; and as you near Sumburgh Head be sure to keep your eyes on the cliffs for migrating birds such as guillemots, shags and fulmars, and passing cetaceans including minke whales, orcas and dolphins. Get closer to Orkney's varied birdlife by joining a superb birdwatching tour through farmlands to an RSPB Reserve.
Life On Board
Introducing Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.
Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.
Our Signature Experiences
To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Crofting Shetland
Enjoy working sheepdog demonstrations, a talk on their training, and see some iconic Shetland ponies and sheep with local crofter, David Murray.
££££
Lerwick
Western Shetland - Meet the Locals
Delve into the significance of Shetland's fishing industry with insights from a local fisherman. Journey through Tingwall Valley, encountering Shetland ponies and learning from a breeder. Explore Girlsta and Weisdale before visiting the Shetland Jewellery Workshop to witness craftsmanship and perhaps acquire a unique piece.
££££
Lerwick
Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs & Lighthouse
Embark on a scenic drive across Shetland to Sumburgh Head, where a local expert offers a guided tour. Explore the RSPB Nature Reserve, observing nesting seabirds like guillemots and fulmars, and keep an eye out for passing cetaceans. Visit the Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre to delve into the area's history and natural heritage.
££££
Lerwick
Orkney's Wartime History
Together with a specialist Wartime Guide, embark on a tour of Orkney and visit historic sites such as Stromness, Ness Battery, Scapa Flow and the beautiful hand-painted Italian chapel built by Prisoners of War.
££££
Kirkwall
Skara Brae & Skaill House
This exploration of Skara Brae village will shed light on prehistoric life as your tour guide leads you through the remains of eight dwellings built during the Stone Age and the manor of Skaill House
££££
Kirkwall
Past & Present Island Life
Visit to Barony Mill to discover how barley is made, before continuing to Stromness to visit the Pier Arts Centre. Explore the craft shops that sell locally-made items, before following the coastline of Scapa Flow.
££££
Kirkwall
Glen Ord Distillery
Journey along Loch Broom towards Muir of Ord, admiring the Northwest Highlands to one dram of the Glen Ord Range. Here, enjoy a guided tour before tasting Singleton of Glen Ord range. Next, journey to Beauly for some free time to explore independent retailers, coffee shops and the ruins of an old priory, at leisure, before returning through the scenic countryside to your awaiting ship.
££££
Ullapool
The Harris Tweed Story
Learn about the history of Harris Tweed and how this iconic fabric has been a staple piece of the Outer Hebrides heritage. Discover the processes from wool to yarn and enjoy a workshop to create your own piece of Harris Tweed.
££££
Stornoway
Your Guest Speakers
We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
Chrisanne Macleod Robertson
Chrisanne was brought up on the Isle of Lewis, and Gaelic was her first language. She will be joining us to share her experiences on the island and lead a workshop teaching Gaelic songs.
Ian Archibald
Scottish Cartographer Ian Archibald will be on hand throughout the cruise exploring the history of the Norse people and their seafaring history as well as relating his personal involvement surveying maritime activities on the west coast of Scotland.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Treats & Pastimes
In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 13:00 20/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 13:00 20/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £3,799 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,599 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,399 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,099 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 pp |
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Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £7,218.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £6,838.10 |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,448.25 |
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360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 |
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360°
Cruise Offers
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Enhance your cruise
Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQs
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.